Country Corncakes

1 cup white corn meal
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons melted lard*

Directions:
Sift the meal, flour, and salt together into a mixing bowl. Mix the baking soda and buttermilk; add to meal mixture and stir until combined. Add beaten egg and melted lard; mix well. Fry on a very hot, lightly greased skillet, flipping each cake once. Makes about a dozen cakes.

Notes:
I don't like lard, but that is what the recipe says. Feel free to substitute melted butter or margarine.

Navajo Fry Bread

2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon powdered milk 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine 3/4 cup warm water Oil for frying

Directions:
Measure flour, baking powder, salt, and powdered milk into a mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add butter or margarine and cut into flour with a fork until mixture resembles coarse flour. Add warm water as needed to make a sticky dough. Divide dough into six parts and shape into balls. Flatten each ball to a circle about six inches across. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat, add 1 inch of oil. When oil is hot, fry dough circles until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels.

Notes:
Serve with taco toppings, chili, or salsa.

Indian Fry Bread

2 tablespoons (2 packs) quick-rise yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 1-1/2 cups warm water 4 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt 1 cup vegetable oil 1 egg, beaten Cornmeal or flour for rolling out dough Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:
Measure warm water into a bowl; stir in sugar and sprinkle yeast over top. Set aside for 5 minutes.  Add salt, oil and egg and mix well.  Measure flour into a large mixing bowl. Pour yeast mixture into the flour and beat until well blended. Cover bowl with a clean towel and set in a warm place to rise for 30 minutes. With well-oiled hands, take a piece of dough about the size of a tennis ball. On a surface dusted with cornmeal or flour, roll the dough out to a circle that is 1/4 inch thick. Cut a slit in the center of each circle. Heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat and fry the bread until golden brown on each side.

Notes:
Top with chili, refried beans, and/or any taco filling that you like, such as tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, etc.